Fulton County residents commemorate Juneteenth with Atlanta rapper T.I.

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Dozens of people living in Fulton County came together at Sandy Springs Middle School to celebrate both Father’s Day and Juneteenth.

“It means honoring Black history as American history,” said Gerald Griggs, president, Georgia NAACP.

Speakers gave a history lesson on the national holiday, which is coming up Wednesday. It marks the day slaves in Galveston, Texas were notified that they had been free.

Another lesson on the agenda was the role Black soldiers played in the Civil War.

“The Revolutionary War, to the Civil War, we were a strong component as to why America is free right now for everyone,” said Griggs.

Rapper T.I. showed up with a message, in light of the recent gun violence across the city.

“I think 99 percent of the problems that we have in our community will be solved by us sticking together,” said Harris.

The rapper said he hopes to make a positive influence on young people. This Juneteenth celebration gave him the opportunity to do just that.

“Most people are subjected to what they’ve been exposed to. So I just want to offer myself as an example and just be a beacon of light whenever I can,” said Harris.

Another icon, award winning screenwriter Eric Monte, also attended with his family.

“He is the writer, and creator of Good Times, The Jeffersons, What’s Happening, the movie Cooley High,” said Cynthia Crisp, Eric Monte’s daughter.

“Just having T.I., Eric Monte and just all the great talent that came out. it’s important that our kids see that,” said Jasmine Crisp, granddaughter of Eric Monte.

The message on this Juneteenth week is to keep unity, love and hope alive.

“My ancestors fought for our freedom, you know what I’m saying, so we can be here to celebrate,” said Tenette Smith, The Voice competitor and metro Atlanta resident.

“To make Juneteenth a national holiday a lot of people sacrificed a lot,” said Tyrone Dennis, CEO and Founder of Clippers and Cops.

June 19 became a national holiday in 2021.